HAVING A 6-FOOT-8 FRAME WITH THE SKILL-SET TO BACK IT UP TENDS TO BRING AUDIENCES TO THE CONCLUSION THAT JOHN CLARK HAS BEEN A STAR ATHLETE ALL HIS LIFE.
However, it might come as a shock that Klein Cain’s premier power forward wasn’t always the picture of athleticism you see now.
“When I was younger I was a pretty chubby kid, so my Mom wanted me to get into sports,” he said. “She signed me up for the YMCA basketball league and ever since then I just kind of fell in love with the game.”
Despite his humble beginnings, Clark’s journey thereafter has ascended him to become one of the top college prospects in the state of Texas in the Class of 2025.
“I feel like what gives me an edge on the court is my rebounding ability,” said Clark. “I have a high motor when I’m playing, so I feel like both of those aspects provide a useful combination for my skill-set and height.”
Clark has programs such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, Texas and Sam Houston State, among others recruiting him during his junior season. But, it all starts at home for the Klein Cain hooper.
“My biggest motivation is definitely my family,” he said. “I want to make sure that my family is straight and get them in a better place down the line.
“The college recruitment is honestly a blessing. I can’t thank God enough for it. That motivates me to go harder, because I know that everybody is going for my head and wants to be where I am. Because of that, I know that I’ve got to bring it every game, every practice and every workout.”
It’s not only his work ethic that sets Clark apart from the rest, however. His greatest asset is far less tangible.
“I feel like I’m a pretty cool guy to talk to,” he said. “I tend to interact with everyone. I guess my being a good vibe makes me unique. Being sociable is useful anywhere you go, so that’s going to help me in life.”
It’s no wonder that he and his teammates have the chemistry they do.
“We’re not only friends on the court,” Clark said. “We do stuff off the court together which correlates the game, and that’s why we’re so well-rounded and play so well together.
“The most fun memory I have with the guys is during my sophomore year, when we were in Dallas for a tournament. We were all in the hotel and brought our SplatRBall guns. We stayed staying up late, getting keys to each other’s rooms and messing with each other. It was great.”
With another year left in his high school career, there’s still plenty of time for more memories to be made.
Perhaps a district title and more?